Shloka 104

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

कामक्रोधविहीनेन ऋत्विग्भ्यः शान्तचेतसा नवग्रहमखे विप्राश् चत्वारो वेदवेदिनः //

Transliteration

kāmakrodhavihīnena ṛtvigbhyaḥ śāntacetasā navagrahamakhe viprāś catvāro vedavedinaḥ //

Translation

In the Navagraha sacrifice, four Brahmin priests—knowers of the Vedas—should be appointed as ṛtviks by one who is free from desire and anger and whose mind is tranquil.

Word by Word

• कामक्रोध-विहीनेन: by one devoid of lust/desire and anger

• ऋत्विग्भ्यः: for/to the officiating priests (ṛtviks)

• शान्त-चेतसा: with a peaceful, composed mind

• नवग्रह-मखे: in the sacrifice/rite (makha) for the Nine Planets (Navagrahas)

• विप्राः: Brahmins

• चत्वारः: four

• वेद-वेदिनः: knowers of the Veda(s), Vedic experts

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, ritual guidance section)

Entities Mentioned

• Navagraha
• Ṛtvij (Vedic priests)
• Vipra (Brahmins)
• Vedas

Tags

• Navagraha Yajna
• Ritual Procedure
• Dharma
• Priesthood
• Mental Discipline

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on ritual discipline—especially the inner purity (freedom from desire and anger) required for conducting a Navagraha rite.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It frames a core dharmic duty: when commissioning rites (such as Navagraha worship), the patron should be self-controlled and calm, and should engage qualified Veda-knowing Brahmins as officiants.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies the staffing of the Navagraha-makha: four Veda-versed Brahmin ṛtviks are to be appointed, and the sponsor’s mental purity is treated as essential to the rite’s efficacy.